About Toronto Wireless

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Get ready for a mind trip. TELUS swooped up and purchased Clearnet Communications for $6.6 billion back in 2000. This buyout immediately gave TELUS a strong foundation for growth and quickly became one of Canada’s largest wireless companies (revenue and spectrum). Much of TELUS brand stems from Clearnet such as the tag line “The Future is Friendly”.

We’re not sure when this actually happened but it now seems that Clearnet has slowly risen from the grave and started to offer Unlimited plans with no-contracts. We’ve reached out to a few of our contacts for more details but checking out their website shows they have set up shop and offer an Unlimited Talk and Text service (plus home phone) in British Columbia and Alberta, with plans to open service in other provinces. There are no physical retail locations and if you’re interested to purchase a device you have to order it online or call customer service. The reason for this set up is apparently to cut out the “middleman” and keep costs down so the savings are passed onto the customer.

These days the CLEARNET business plan is similar to WIND, Chatr and Mobilicity as there are no activation fees or long term contracts. There are 2 available plans: $45 Unlimited Talk B.C. and a $55 Unlimited Talk and Text Canada… and in Alberta it’s $50 and $60/month. These basically include Unlimited calling (or text messaging), call forwarding, call waiting, conference calling and 911 service. For devices, the LG GB-255 ($49.99 no-term) is a basic flip phone while the Samsung Evergreen ($79.99 no-term) is a candy bar style very eco-friendly phone. In a surprise move the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Apollo will be coming soon for $149.99 which means they will have data available too.

We’re told they “operate completely separate to TELUS” but it’s clear that Clearnet uses the TELUS network as they brand themselves as a “4G” network. Coverage is available across Canada and roaming is also available. The brand feels very clean, simple and to the point with the logo using all lowercase with a plus sign (+) making the t in Clearnet – making it feel like you’re getting a bit of value.

TELUS now has their own “4G” network, the Mike Network, Koodo Mobile and now this new Clearnet… which means even more competition/consumer choice has surfaced in Canada.